The Differences Between a Birth Ball and a Peanut Ball in Labor
When preparing for labor, many people hear about tools that can help with comfort, positioning, and even progress. Two of the most commonly used are the birth ball and the peanut ball. While they may look similar at first glance—both are inflatable and supportive—they serve very different purposes during pregnancy and labor.
What Is a Birth Ball?
A birth ball (sometimes called an exercise ball or yoga ball) is a large, round, inflatable ball that is used during pregnancy and labor. It is designed to support upright movement and gentle bouncing or rocking.
It is used in labor to encourage upright positioning, supports pelvic mobility, helps relieve pressure on the lower back and pelvis, and can be used for sitting, leaning over, or kneeling while supported. A birth ball is especially helpful in early and active labor when movement and gravity can support progress.
If you want to read more about what a birth ball is and how it is used, check out my previous post.
What Is a Peanut Ball?
A peanut ball is shaped like a peanut (oval and indented in the middle). It is typically used in bed and is especially helpful when someone is limited to lying down, such as with an epidural or during hospital monitoring.
How it helps during labor:
Opens the pelvis while resting in bed
Encourages baby’s descent and rotation
Helps reduce labor stagnation when mobility is limited
Supports side-lying positions that promote comfort and alignment
Common ways to use it:
Placing it between the knees while lying on your side
Switching between sides every 30–60 minutes to encourage balance
Supporting a “runner’s lunge” position in bed
Helping create space in the pelvis even while resting
The peanut ball is often considered a “game changer” for laboring people who need or choose to stay in bed.
Key Differences Between a Birth Ball and a Peanut Ball
Shape & Design
Birth Ball: Large, round, and fully spherical
Peanut Ball: Oval with a narrow center (like a peanut shape)
Best Environment
Birth Ball: Out of bed (floor, squat position, upright movement)
Peanut Ball: In bed (side-lying or semi-reclined positions)
Main Purpose
Birth Ball: Encourages movement, upright positioning, and comfort in early labor
Peanut Ball: Helps open the pelvis and encourage baby’s descent while resting
Mobility
Birth Ball: Requires active movement and balance
Peanut Ball: Supports passive positioning and rest
When to Use Each One
Both tools can be incredibly useful, but at different stages:
Early labor: A birth ball can help you stay mobile, relaxed, and upright
Active labor or epidural labor: A peanut ball becomes especially helpful for positioning in bed
Transition and progression support: Many people alternate between the two depending on comfort and energy levels
A doula, nurse, or midwife can help suggest positions based on how labor is progressing.
Can You Use Both?
Yes!! Many people do.
Think of the birth ball as your movement tool and the peanut ball as your resting tool. Together, they offer flexibility so you can shift between activity and rest while still supporting labor progress.
Both the birth ball and peanut ball are simple tools, but they can make a meaningful difference in comfort and positioning during labor. The birth ball supports motion and upright labor, while the peanut ball supports rest and pelvic opening in bed. There is no “better” option, just different tools for different moments.
This is an example of using two peanut balls to help relieve back pain in labor, as well as help baby move during early labor.
